Tannery

In the heart of Limousin, in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, lies a tannery that stands the test of time: Bastin & Fils Tannery, founded in 1892. More than just a workshop, it is a sanctuary where the ancient art of leather crafting has been perpetuated since the 11th century.

In a world where everything moves swiftly, Bastin & Fils finds success in the patience of nature and the respect for tradition. Their secret lies in a delicate alchemy: allowing "Time for Tannin." Vegetable tannins, extracted from chestnut, quebracho, and oak bark, slowly transform hides into exceptional leathers.

The manufacturing process is a ritual, with each step executed with precision and passion:
River Work: Raw hides are carefully prepared in a fulling mill, a wooden barrel, to be cleaned and readied to receive the tannins. Tanning: The hides are then immersed in baths of water and vegetable tannins for 80 days, followed by an eight-month rest in outdoor pits, separated by ground oak bark, for a slow and natural tanning process. Currying: Once tanned, the hides undergo several operations to enhance their quality. They are wrung out, trimmed, nourished with cod liver oil in a fulling mill, flattened, and dried. Finishing: The leather is beaten to make it more waterproof, resistant, and lustrous. A rigorous quality control is performed to inspect and sort the leathers.

Today, Bastin & Fils Tannery, supported by the house of J.M. Weston, continues this artisanal legacy. I wish to express my gratitude to these passionate craftsmen who continue to produce exceptional leathers in an ethical and natural manner.